IVF Support Group

[Marshay]

Honestly (for me anyway) having to have the Emla cream on for an hour would not be worth it. The needle pain isn't awful and goes quick. It is the oil being injected and the cream will not help with that. As for bleeding, I did use a bandaid, but somtimes it would bleed more (often while I was alseep) and soak through and still mess up my jammies. Like I said, it was not exactly pleasant, but I think the anticipation was worse than the actual shots!

Thanks for the info ... yeah, I was fine with the shots (or thought I was) until the class!

I was a gestational surrogate twice for the same couple. I did IVF twice (one was a FET) and was pregnant on the first try both times! I would suggest trying dermoplast if you can't get the cream. Our dr. would not prescribe the emla cream and the dermoplast seemed to help. I had no problem with the belly shots but the PIO was bad! After the transfer and for the next IVF we did the suppositories instead...what a relief! Feel free to ask or pm any questions.

Suppositories would be nice...I won't start them until later once a pregnancy is confirmed...

Honestly, the needle isnt what hurts. Its the thickness of the progesterone in oil sitting in your muscle that hurts.

I actually became overly sensitive to the oil after my first fresh cycle and part way thru the PIO schedule would have to stop the shots. For months I had welts and huge knots in my behind.

But the pain was all worth it. Just like pregnancy and labor (or adoption stress).

Sorry to hear about the welts -- I assume it all went away then?

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR IVF!!!

I did a round of IVF 3yrs ago after having 2 ectopic pregnancies (one in each tube) My Dr. recommended IVF to avoid the tubes.

I found it an amazing process. Basically for the next 6 weeks or so your life is going to revolve around injections, scans and such, but you get used to the routine.

I didn't find giving myself the injections that bad - it was mixing the darn drugs that was the pain for me.

Anyway - I was on an ectopic forum from UK and many women there reccomneded accupuncture to hlep with IVF. So I decided to try it. You figure the last thing you want is more needles, but I found my accupuncture sessions very relaxing and I figured it couldn't hurt.

Also - many women said the drinking pineapple juice helps with implantation - again - no scientific proof - but it couldn't hurt and I like pineapple juice.

I was had 4 embryos implanted at day 5 and one took. Unfortunately I lost the baby somewhere between 8 & 12 weeks. When I went for my 12 week scan there was no heartbeat.

We did ISCI because I didn't want to take any chances. I found it an amazing process - I got a picture of the embryos they were implanting and saw them on a microscope as they did it.

I only did 1 round of IVF. Since it wasn't a fertility issue, I decided to try naturally again and risk another EP - I just needed to be careful and make sure I was well monitored. Fortunately I got pregnant the first try after IVF and now have a beautiful 20 month old son.

The ectopic forum I frequented is www.ectopic.or.uk. They have support forums and one is for assisted pregnancies and I got alot of support and great information on these boards.

Best of luck!

I will definitely check out that forum and others on-line for more info.

Pineapple juice? OK, I can do that!

We had an "unsuccessful" pregnancy with IUI last year and the docs were monitoring it and then they gave me the shot to terminate due to fear of ectopic pregnancy. They told me the only way to know if it was ectopic would be when it was large enough to show on the ultrasound but then you risk your tubes exploding, etc.

That is also the main reason we are doing IVF instead of a 3rd round of IUI...that was just an awful experience and I hope not to repeat it.

Thanks for all the info and good wishes. I'm trying not to let this whole IVF thing dominate our life, esp with my DD2.

Tomorrow I go for a Mock Embryo Transfer.

 

[Tera_&_Gibson]

Oh and eat McDonald's fries after your transfer! LOL! I thought it sounded nuts but heard it over and over on the surrogacy forums I visited and was pregnant on the first try both times I ate a large just in case! I had my friend do it and she was preggo 1st try too. Cant hurt. I have heard the thing about pineapple juice to.

 

[Marshay]

Oh and eat McDonald's fries after your transfer! LOL! I thought it sounded nuts but heard it over and over on the surrogacy forums I visited and was pregnant on the first try both times I ate a large just in case! I had my friend do it and she was preggo 1st try too. Cant hurt. I have heard the thing about pineapple juice to.

cool! I love McD's fries!!! I'll consider this my reward!!

Wow, pineapple juice and fries -- anything else I should add to that list?

 

[Marshay]

Just a quick update...went for ultrasound and mock embryo transfer today and the good news is there are no cysts...the bad news is they found another polyp (had them removed before, too).

So they won't let me start IVF until it is removed. I'm trying to see if we can get it done next week...doc said I have until June 8th to get it done in order to meet this IVF cycle.

We'll see what happens...needless to say, I'm bummed...but obviously we want the best chances when we do IVF, so if it's not now, hopefully soon.

 

[riley2008]

Our first go round IVF twin boys are 4.5yo! (Two embryos were implanted and they both stuck.)

I got lots of support from a WebMD message board. The are several in regards to getting pregnant. Here's a link:

http://boards.webmd.com/webx?14@@.5987dd6b


The Infertility Support Group was a good one. It's good to find a "buddy" going through the same steps as you and comparing notes. There were 4 of us that were all within a couple of days starting the injections. 3 of us ended up pregnant that cycle!

Good Luck!

 

[PrincessBelle39]

I'd like to wish you luck also. My IVF baby turns six in 10days. I can't believe it. Don't get discouraged if it doesnt work first time. Mine was attempt no. 3. A close friend of mine had 7 attempts before dd number 1 arrived and another 12 to get number 2. But the main thing was she was successful. I'll be thinking of you.

 

[Marshay]

Our first go round IVF twin boys are 4.5yo! (Two embryos were implanted and they both stuck.)

I got lots of support from a WebMD message board. The are several in regards to getting pregnant. Here's a link:

http://boards.webmd.com/webx?14@@.5987dd6b


The Infertility Support Group was a good one. It's good to find a "buddy" going through the same steps as you and comparing notes. There were 4 of us that were all within a couple of days starting the injections. 3 of us ended up pregnant that cycle!

Good Luck!

Yeah -- finding a buddy on there sounds like a great idea!

I'd like to wish you luck also. My IVF baby turns six in 10days. I can't believe it. Don't get discouraged if it doesnt work first time. Mine was attempt no. 3. A close friend of mine had 7 attempts before dd number 1 arrived and another 12 to get number 2. But the main thing was she was successful. I'll be thinking of you.

Wow! 7 and 12 times?? That's really dedication to the mom and dad!

I'm hoping to be successful before I turn 40! That's my goal (I have 2 years to accomplish!) but of course, I'm hoping all that pineapple juice and McD's french fries work!

 

[Disney Pal]

Hello!
I am another success story. Hang in there! It was a a crazy 6 weeks with blood tests, scans, shots. But in the end we only did one cycle of ICSI implanted 3 eggs and we are blessed with triplet girls! They were early (28 weeks) but they are strong girls. They were 1.4, 2.10, 2.14 lbs.I'll pray for you and your husband. It was an emotional ride! Good Luck! God Bless!

 

[Marshay]

Hello!
I am another success story. Hang in there! It was a a crazy 6 weeks with blood tests, scans, shots. But in the end we only did one cycle of ICSI implanted 3 eggs and we are blessed with triplet girls! They were early (28 weeks) but they are strong girls. They were 1.4, 2.10, 2.14 lbs.I'll pray for you and your husband. It was an emotional ride! Good Luck! God Bless!

Thanks and congrats on your girls!

That's definitely another thing we are still unsure of -- how many embryos to put back in ... of course, we have to wait and see if/when we do IVF and how healthy they are...but with no guarantee that even one good egg will transfer, it certainly begs the case to put more than one back in...but my DH is over having multiples.

 

[Pluto14]

Hi! I'll be your cycle buddy! It is great that you posted about this topic, because I had been thinking about posting and seeing if there were any fellow DISers going through IVF! I'm currently just getting started on my second go-around of IVF....mt 1st IVF was successful in 2004, my DD just turned 3!!! We did afrozen embryo transfer last fall that resulted in an early miscarriage, sadly. So, here we go again! I started tummy injections last Wednesday. We're looking at a retrieval date of June 13 or 14!!! Right around the corner!!! I'm excited, yet anxious all over again!! We'll be doing ICSI and PGD this time around, too. It does all get a bit overwhelming at times, but hang in there!!!! Like someone already said, just focus on the positive!!! We actually have a WDW trip planned for a few weeks after the transfer, so if we do get a big fat positive, then I'll be testing all the benches in WDW while DH and DD do most of the wilder rides, however, if we don't get a +, then at least I can look forward to going on those wilder rides with them!

BTW- I hadn't heard of the McDonald's fries theory, but I wouldn't object to trying it out!!!

Feel free to PM me about anything, or sharing the cycle info. I hope you are able to stay on track with this current cycle!! I'll be rooting you on!!

 

[Marshay]

Hi! I'll be your cycle buddy! It is great that you posted about this topic, because I had been thinking about posting and seeing if there were any fellow DISers going through IVF! I'm currently just getting started on my second go-around of IVF....mt 1st IVF was successful in 2004, my DD just turned 3!!! We did afrozen embryo transfer last fall that resulted in an early miscarriage, sadly. So, here we go again! I started tummy injections last Wednesday. We're looking at a retrieval date of June 13 or 14!!! Right around the corner!!! I'm excited, yet anxious all over again!! We'll be doing ICSI and PGD this time around, too. It does all get a bit overwhelming at times, but hang in there!!!! Like someone already said, just focus on the positive!!! We actually have a WDW trip planned for a few weeks after the transfer, so if we do get a big fat positive, then I'll be testing all the benches in WDW while DH and DD do most of the wilder rides, however, if we don't get a +, then at least I can look forward to going on those wilder rides with them!

BTW- I hadn't heard of the McDonald's fries theory, but I wouldn't object to trying it out!!!

Feel free to PM me about anything, or sharing the cycle info. I hope you are able to stay on track with this current cycle!! I'll be rooting you on!!

Hey! Glad to hear you are moving along! If everything works out this cycle, I'll begin on 6/5 (doc said I can start Lupron while getting polyps removed but not the Gonol F and Reprenex). So if it all works out I'll only be a week behind you (which is actually great for me so you can do it all and tell me about it! )

But either way, I do hope you keep us all informed about your efforts. My DD is going to be 3 in July, so it sounds like we have much in common besides our love for Disney.

I'll also PM you!

 

[tmdart]

I had severe endometriosis and did a single cycle of IVF with ICSI 6 years ago. The shots were not too bad because I knew that I was working toward a goal. Just after finding out I was pregnant I ended up in the hospital with ovarian hyperstimulation. They took off 12 liters of fluid over two weeks. I also developed a blood clot in my brain. That was kind of scary, but luckily, I have no residual effects from that. And best of all I have a wonderful, handsome 5 year old son. Good luck with your cycle. I hope everything goes well. I'm sending some prayers your way. I know that's what saved my life.

 

[lindap1]

I have done two IVF cycles. Some background on me- 1995 had my tubes tied (dummy me listened to my husband at the time), 2000 met my current husband, 2004? had tubes untied(didn't work-one tube blocked-other kinked)2005 first attempt at IVF resulted in pregnancy (lost baby at 4 months of pregnancy -Turners Syndrome). After some thinking it over we decided to try IVF one more time. Our baby girl just turned 17 months old. Any kind of shot scares me and giving yourself 2 - 3 shots a night in your belly is not a picnic. Thankfully I didn't have to do the "butt" shots the first cycle, instead I did one shot every three days in my belly (totalling 3 shots). My second cycle I did have to do a "butt" shot the night before retrieval. My family doctor's wonderful nurse met me at the dr's office and gave me that shot. I'm 41 now and we still have two embryo's frozen and I keep trying to talk my hubby into another child, but we don't have the room for another baby.
I have two children from my previous marriage-boy 19 years old, boy-16 years old and they share a big room.
I try to explain to him that those two embryos are still our babies and I don't want them staying like that or being destroyed and I won't donate them.
IVF can be an emotional roller coaster ride. Going back and forth for blood work, ultrasounds and stuff can get very tiring. In the end when they hand you your little baby it makes it all worth it. Good Luck!

 

[Marshay]

I had severe endometriosis and did a single cycle of IVF with ICSI 6 years ago. The shots were not too bad because I knew that I was working toward a goal. Just after finding out I was pregnant I ended up in the hospital with ovarian hyperstimulation. They took off 12 liters of fluid over two weeks. I also developed a blood clot in my brain. That was kind of scary, but luckily, I have no residual effects from that. And best of all I have a wonderful, handsome 5 year old son. Good luck with your cycle. I hope everything goes well. I'm sending some prayers your way. I know that's what saved my life.

Wow -- it's very interesting for me to read about everyone's experiences...obviously they are all different. It's amazing what our bodies will do!

Many thanks for the prayers! I am a believer and really am trying to trust God for our next child, in His time. I just have my own time schedule, too!

I have done two IVF cycles. Some background on me- 1995 had my tubes tied (dummy me listened to my husband at the time), 2000 met my current husband, 2004? had tubes untied(didn't work-one tube blocked-other kinked)2005 first attempt at IVF resulted in pregnancy (lost baby at 4 months of pregnancy -Turners Syndrome). After some thinking it over we decided to try IVF one more time. Our baby girl just turned 17 months old. Any kind of shot scares me and giving yourself 2 - 3 shots a night in your belly is not a picnic. Thankfully I didn't have to do the "butt" shots the first cycle, instead I did one shot every three days in my belly (totalling 3 shots). My second cycle I did have to do a "butt" shot the night before retrieval. My family doctor's wonderful nurse met me at the dr's office and gave me that shot. I'm 41 now and we still have two embryo's frozen and I keep trying to talk my hubby into another child, but we don't have the room for another baby.
I have two children from my previous marriage-boy 19 years old, boy-16 years old and they share a big room.
I try to explain to him that those two embryos are still our babies and I don't want them staying like that or being destroyed and I won't donate them.
IVF can be an emotional roller coaster ride. Going back and forth for blood work, ultrasounds and stuff can get very tiring. In the end when they hand you your little baby it makes it all worth it. Good Luck!

yeah, we just signed the paperwork this past week stating what we will do with the embryos immediately, after 5 years, after a spouse leaves or dies, in case of war, natural disaster, electrical failure, etc. It's both comforting and scary to know that a piece of you and your spouse/mate will be "out there".

 

[a1tinkfans]

Just wishing you


BEST OF "success"

 

[lindap1]

I also believe that with the second IVF we did ICSI, but I'm not positive.

 

[IheartAriel]

It's amazing to me the amount of women who are in the same boat as I am. My husband and I did one round of IUI without success. From there we went strait to an IVF cycle. The experience was surreal to me, all of the shots, ultrasounds, blood work, it was nuts but in the end all so worth it. Our first IVF baby girl just turned 17 months. Instead of waiting we decided that before she turned one we'd try again, we had 5 frozen embryos and didn't feel like waiting. Or I should say I didn't feel like waiting so we went in for our first frozen embryo transfer. 2 embryos were transfered and we're 33 weeks pregnant with a singleton pregnancy. July can't come soon enough.

In then end the everything was so worth it, each shot got easier and easier. You'll do great and my fingers are crossed that you'll find success.

 

[Marshay]

Just wishing you


BEST OF "success"

I also believe that with the second IVF we did ICSI, but I'm not positive.

It's amazing to me the amount of women who are in the same boat as I am. My husband and I did one round of IUI without success. From there we went strait to an IVF cycle. The experience was surreal to me, all of the shots, ultrasounds, blood work, it was nuts but in the end all so worth it. Our first IVF baby girl just turned 17 months. Instead of waiting we decided that before she turned one we'd try again, we had 5 frozen embryos and didn't feel like waiting. Or I should say I didn't feel like waiting so we went in for our first frozen embryo transfer. 2 embryos were transfered and we're 33 weeks pregnant with a singleton pregnancy. July can't come soon enough.

In then end the everything was so worth it, each shot got easier and easier. You'll do great and my fingers are crossed that you'll find success.

I'm really enjoying reading everyone's success stories ... and the road along the way.

For some reason, talking about infertility and IVF is not popular in my circle of friends so I'm really happy to read/learn/share with you all. Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who posted here!

 

[Marshay]

I just heard back from the weekend nurse -- they were not able to schedule me for surgery to remove my polyp on Tuesday. The calendar was too busy with IVF procedures.

They will try tomorrow for Wednesday and continue through this week. If they don't schedule by 6/8 (says the nurse) or 6/10 (says my doc), then we will have to wait until July.

I feel better now -- there's nothing I can do to influence the outcome...will just wait and pray and see what will be...

 

[IheartAriel]

Fingers crossed that you get in soon for the procedure. I had to have a very large cyst removed before my procedure and that minor setback got me down for a bit but after that we were on the road to success. Keep your chin up.